Almost half of the victims of disasters registered from Sept. 1 to 28 were killed by lightning, which also injured 43 people, while others died due to landslides, the data showed.
In one of the most recent incidents, a mother and her two children were killed after their residential house collapsed on them following heavy rains in the Gasabo District of Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.
The disasters also destroyed nearly 500 houses and 58 hectares of crops, while more than 120 livestock were killed. Also destroyed were 37 classroom blocks.
The data were released days after the Rwanda Meteorology Agency said above-average rainfall of between 20 mm and 120 mm was expected in different parts of the country through Sept. 30. The weather agency asked residents to take preventive measures after warning that the rains would lead to flooding, rainstorms, soil erosion and landslides.
Philippe Habinshuti, the permanent secretary in the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management, called on Rwandans living in high-risk zones to relocate to safe areas.
The farewell ceremony for the 112 retirees held at the RNP General Headquarters in Kacyiru, was presided over by the Minister of Interior, Alfred Gasana, who lauded their dedication, commitment and sacrifice to serve their country.
It was also attended by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Felix Namuhoranye, deputy Police Chiefs as well as commissioners and senior officers, who retired before.
Those retiring include pioneers of Rwanda National Police, which was established in June 2000, following the merger of three institutions; Gendarmerie Nationale which was under the Ministry of Defense, the Communal Police under the Ministry of Interior and the judicial Police inspectors under the Ministry of Justice.
“Rwandans are ready to welcome you in your new life to work together in community activities. Your experience, integrity, professionalism and unwavering character will be critical as you work with Rwandans in the national transformation process,” Minister Gasana said.
Although they are out of active service, he urged them to continue working closely with the RNP, other law enforcement and security agencies, and government institutions to continue to strengthen national security and to protect what has been achieved.
He further thanked their families for supporting them during their active service and for bearing the absence of their spouses due to the nature of work.
Minister Gasana also thanked police officers who retired before, for their exemplary and active participation in other national development activities.
IGP Namuhoranye said that RNP has a strong and long term programme to ensure close connection with the retirees to farther the national security agenda as well as ensuring their welfare.
“This collaboration will give confidence to the young people that wish to join the RNP because they will understand the Police as a profession for the young generation to join and retire with dignity.
Continue to be defined by your patriotic spirit to preserve what you strived for,” IGP Namuhoranye said.
He added: “Thank you for your service and contribution to build a professional Police force, for your devotion to duty and country; your dedication and discipline guided your successful service and retirement with honor.”
He particularly thanked His Excellency the President for the visionary and continued guidance and support to RNP and the retired officers.
“You are retiring from active service but your duty to your country continues to fight anything that can affect the security that you fought for.”
Commissioner General (rtd) Emmanuel K. Gasana, who spoke on behalf of the retirees, said that this moment reminds them of the difficult times that the country went through.
“We serve as witness that all would not have been possible without a great leader, who saved the nation from a dark history, from doomsday, from a devastated nation to prosperity,” CG (rtd) Gasana said.
He added: “We are leaving active service but we remain part of this Police family; RNP is in our blood and we are leaving with a life package of discipline, professionalism and the required values.
We will continue to serve and to sacrifice for our country whenever we are required.”
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With eKash, the era of waiting for transactions to reflect in one’s account is now a thing of the past, and financial experience is poised to improve significantly.
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To begin using eKash, simply register through your financial service provider’s USSD/App; for mobile money users, please dial 18211#.
Commenting on this development, Blaise Pascal Gasabira, CEO at RSwitch Ltd, stated, “This launch signifies a momen-tous stride in Rwanda’s quest for a cashless and inclusive economy. We are proud to offer this innovative solution, and we firmly believe that it will simplify digital payments and promote financial inclusion.”
As eKash goes live, individuals are encouraged to embrace this transformative digital payment system, ushering in a new era of convenience and security in financial transactions.
This achievement was made possible through the support of Access to Finance Rwanda, which sponsored the implementation of eKash, as well as the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, the Rwanda Information Society Authority, the National Bank of Rwanda, Financial Services Providers, and other stakeholders.
Wisdom School obtained a licence to commence its Associate Nursing Program in the school year 2023-2024.
The program is specially designed to equip budding nursing enthusiasts with the requisite skills and knowledge.
Graduates of this program will find themselves well-prepared to pursue further education at esteemed colleges and universities. The management is enthusiastic about accepting new students across all categories for the 2023/24 school year, underscoring the abundant opportunities awaiting these scholars at globally renowned institutions.
Elie Nduwayesu, the Principal of Wisdom School, emphasized the institution’s commitment to nurturing graduates who not only avoid becoming burdens on their parents and country but also proactively contribute to addressing prevailing challenges.
He remarked, “The shortage of healthcare professionals is a global concern, and we welcome parents and students not only from Rwanda but from around the world to join our school. We are poised to provide them with the education and training they need, and we have the capacity to accommodate them.”
Nduwayesu extended an impassioned invitation to parents, urging them to entrust their children to Wisdom Schools for quality education and training, with a promise not to disappoint those who choose this path.
He stated, “In the realm of education, there are three principal actors: children, parents, and educators. We implore parents not to let this golden opportunity slip away. Bring your children to us; we are educators, we are parents, and we have children of our own. They will soon realize they’ve made the right choice.”
At Wisdom Schools, students have access to a comprehensive educational journey, starting from nursery, progressing through primary and secondary levels, culminating in ordinary and advanced levels in fields such as sciences, nursing, and accounting among others. Graduates emerge with grades that pave their way to higher education, some even securing opportunities to study abroad.
What sets Wisdom School apart is its holistic approach to education. The institution places a strong emphasis on instilling a robust work ethic, fostering care for personal belongings, promoting healthy eating habits through school-grown crops, and providing access to milk from the school’s cattle. Additionally, the serene campus grounds, playgrounds, and abundant recreational facilities create an environment conducive to learning and relaxation.
State-of-the-art laboratories empower students to apply their theoretical knowledge practically, enabling them to produce various products, including soaps, paints, and oils, within a single year. Furthermore, the school offers transportation options, facilitating educational field trips that bring textbook learning to life while instilling values of reverence for God and love for their nation.
To uphold discipline and ensure top-notch education, Wisdom School maintains a high standard of conduct among its students, ensuring a delinquency-free environment. Parents are encouraged to visit and witness this commitment firsthand.
Wisdom School International boasts an extensive network of branches across Rwanda, including Kanzenze, Rubengera, Ngororero, Nyamasheke, Runda, Muyumbu, Nyagasambu, Rwamagana, Kayonza, Kabarore, Kiramuruzi, and Nyagatare, in addition to Musanze, Burera, Mukamira, and Rubavu.
Wisdom School warmly welcomes students from diverse cultural backgrounds and offers instruction in various languages, including Kinyarwanda, French, Swahili, English, and Chinese.
Interested individuals can explore further details on the official website at Wisdomschoolsrwanda.com or contact the school directly at 0788478469, 0782407217, and 0784188101 for additional information.
This tale of perseverance and modern forensic science shines a light on the dogged determination of investigators who refused to let a cold case go unsolved.
Lisa Coburn Kesler, a 20-year-old from Georgia, was the woman whose identity remained concealed for over three decades. It was a case that haunted the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina, with the circumstances of her death shrouded in mystery.
According to their findings, Lisa had met a gruesome end, a victim of strangulation, in September 1990. Her lifeless body was callously discarded one week later, left on Interstate 40 East near Exit 263 in North Carolina.
Dr. John Butts, the author of Kesler’s 1990 death certificate, had been unable to ascertain the cause of her death. At the time, the forensic applications of DNA were still in their infancy, a far cry from the sophisticated tools available today. Although DNA could confirm identities or establish connections to crimes, it was not yet able to identify an unknown person.
So, how did investigators finally put a name to Lisa Coburn Kesler? The journey was long and arduous. Early efforts involved interviews with potential witnesses and pursuing leads, alongside exhaustive searches through missing persons reports. In their relentless pursuit of answers, the investigators even turned to facial reconstruction to create a model of Kesler’s skull.
However, it was the advent of modern forensic techniques and the unwavering dedication of Dylan Hendricks, an investigator with the sheriff’s office, that breathed new life into this cold case. In 2020, Hendricks sent hair samples collected from the victim to Astrea Forensics, a DNA extraction company with a specialization in identifying human remains. His collaboration with forensic genealogist Leslie Kaufman marked a turning point in the case.
Kaufman’s expertise in genealogy databases and related tools led her to Kesler’s paternal cousins. A breakthrough came when DNA from a maternal relative matched Kesler’s, finally unveiling her identity. Astonishingly, the family had not heard from her in 30 years, leaving her whereabouts a mystery to them as well.
Lisa Coburn Kesler’s life story is shrouded in enigma, with scant information available. She spent most of her life in Jackson County, Georgia, close to Athens, and her mysterious disappearance left a void in her family’s heart for three decades.
According to USA Today, Medical Examiner Clyde Gibbs updated the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System to reflect these new findings and officially closed Kesler’s case. This database, overseen by the US Department of Justice, serves as a critical resource in connecting missing persons cases to unidentified remains.
With Kesler’s remains now identified, Sheriff Charles Blackwood and his dedicated detectives are turning their attention to potential murder suspects. North Carolina does not have a statute of limitations on murder, which means that justice may yet be served, even after more than three decades.
“I am very happy we solved the three-plus-decades-old mystery of this young woman’s identity, and I hope it provides solace to her family members,” Sheriff Blackwood remarked, echoing the sentiments of all who followed this extraordinary journey from anonymity to recognition.
In the end, this story is not only a testament to the power of modern forensic science but also to the unwavering commitment of law enforcement officers who refused to let a cold case go unsolved. It reminds us all that, even in the darkest of mysteries, there is hope for closure and justice.
Established in 2022 in Kigali Special Economic Zone, this company is owned by Lio Wenjun, a well-known figure in China’s television industry and Smart home field.
Spanning a range from 24 to 98 inches, the factory assembles televisions that cater to diverse needs and spaces, boasting an impressive production capacity of 150 units per day, with the potential to scale up to a staggering 2 million per month. This feat is achieved through the unwavering dedication of approximately thirty young, passionate employees.
Peter Mugisha, the Head of Sales at Neiitc-Rwk, takes immense pride in the team’s commitment.
He explained that their products come equipped with Bluetooth connectivity and feature an internal stabilizer that safeguards against overvoltage or short-circuits.
Remarkably, this robustness does not come at the expense of affordability and the company attaches great relevance to generous customer service policy in the event of any malfunctions.
However, Neiitic-Rwk’s commitment extends beyond product quality. Driven by environmental concerns, it collaborates with parent company in China to collect defective televisions for recycling.
In response to the high costs and complications associated with importing household appliances, the company is planning to diversify its offerings soon, incorporating refrigerators and other products into their catalog.
A visit to their factory is an experience in itself. From the initial screen connections to the meticulous installation of various cables, each step is executed with precision by a dedicated team. The end result lives up to expectations, as evident in the competitive pricing of their products in the market.
Mugisha shares an optimistic outlook, declaring, “By producing locally, we’ve overcome numerous challenges, including importation delays. Our distributors now enjoy uninterrupted supply, and we ensure impeccable after-sales service.”
The reduction in importation costs and delays, coupled with the increase in local television stock, bear testimony to the resounding success and positive impact of Neiitic-Rwk on the local economy.
With prices starting at just Rwf90,000 for a 24-inch model and reaching Rwf4.5 million for a 98-inch unit, accessibility to top-notch technology is now within tangible reach.
In a world dominated by technology, Neiitic-Rwk stands as a beacon of innovation, affirming that innovation is the cornerstone of prosperity. Through their entrepreneurial spirit, they are paving the way for a flourishing technological future in Rwanda, an adventure well worth monitoring closely.
These graduates, now with bachelor’s degrees across various fields, were celebrated at a special event held on September 22, 2023.
The gathering not only marked their transition into the workforce but also introduced them to potential investors who recognized their exceptional academic achievements.
These 211 young women represent the third cohort of scholarship recipients under the partnership between FAWE Rwanda and the Mastercard Foundation. They have received continuous support, including capacity development and skill enhancement programs.
Antonia Mutoro, the National Coordinator of FAWE Rwanda, expressed her confidence in the graduates as she addressed potential employers, saying, “I tell the employers here that these young women you see before you are exceptional workers. If you seek to transform your workplaces with excellence and best practices, look no further.”
Gatabazi Pascal, the Chief Technical Advisor in the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC), highlighted that these young women were not only equipped with knowledge but also empowered to demonstrate their capabilities.
Martha Muhwezi, the Executive Director of FAWE Africa, commended FAWE Rwanda as the best among all FAWE chapters. She also acknowledged the pivotal role played by the Rwandan Government and the Ministry of Education in fostering an environment conducive to FAWE Rwanda’s success. She extended her gratitude for the continuous and unwavering support that has enabled FAWE Rwanda to make significant contributions to the cause of female education.
Several of these graduates, who completed their studies in 2022, expressed their gratitude toward FAWE and the Mastercard Foundation for providing them with the opportunity to pursue their dreams, acquire valuable skills, and contribute not only to Rwanda’s development but also to the global community.
{{FAWE Scholarship Program }}
In 2013, FAWE Rwanda, in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, initiated its scholarship program, initially assisting 1,200 girls in secondary schools. A decade later, 838 participants in the program have successfully graduated in various disciplines, including science, mathematics, and technology, from UR and INES Ruhengeri.
Following their bachelor’s degrees, over 432 of these graduates secured employment, while others pursued further studies in Rwanda and abroad.
Linah Divine Icyezumutima is one such graduate who benefited from FAWE Rwanda’s sponsorship. She completed her engineering courses at INES Ruhengeri.
Icyezumutima shared her personal journey, revealing that she lost her mother during her secondary school years, which made life challenging for her and her younger siblings, who were being raised by their grandmother with limited means.
She extended her heartfelt thanks to FAWE Rwanda for breathing new hope into the lives of girls who had begun to lose faith in their futures. She recounted her own experience, saying, “My mother passed away when I was in my third year of secondary school. I was studying at FAWE, and continuing my education would have been impossible. However, I was fortunate enough to receive this scholarship, and I am now gainfully employed.”
Vestine Mukamwezi, a mother of five who has been single-handedly raising her children since 2000 due to limited resources, also expressed her gratitude. She recounted how FAWE provided a scholarship to her daughter, Divine Igihozo, who has since become a doctor and is now contributing to transforming the lives of her siblings.
Mukamwezi said, “FAWE Rwanda helped her become a brilliant young woman who is now a doctor. I pray for her to excel and serve as an exemplary physician.”
The impact of FAWE and the Mastercard Foundation’s partnership on these young women’s lives is evident in their academic achievements and their potential to make substantial contributions to the workforce and society at large.
Ambassador Gatete conveyed these concerns during a statement at the UN Security Council Briefing on MONUSCO Secretary General’s report on September 28, 2023, in New York.
He highlighted that despite positive developments such as the Luanda and Nairobi mechanisms and the deployment of the East Africa Regional Force (EACRF), sporadic clashes involving various groups continued in the Eastern DR Congo.
He called on the council to urged DRC government to fulfill its responsibility by disassociating from the FDLR and ensuring their immediate repatriation, as stipulated in the Luanda and Nairobi mechanisms.
Amb. Gatete stressed that hate speech and violence against Rwandophones in the region pose a grave threat to Rwanda and the Great Lakes Region.
He also expressed concerns about disinformation targeting MONUSCO and the EACRF and urged the DRC government to extend the EACRF mission during this critical period. Rwanda implored the Council to hold the DRC accountable for any resumption of hostilities and encouraged addressing the root causes of the conflict.
Among others, Amb. Gatete emphasized Rwanda’s commitment to regional mechanisms and called out external powers for pursuing their economic interests at the expense of Rwanda, which could worsen the situation in the DRC.
Lastly, he highlighted the dire humanitarian situation of DRC refugees and internally displaced persons and appealed to the Council to facilitate their safe repatriation and return.
On Thursday, September 28, 2023, the Rwanda Demobilization and Reintegration Commission (RDRC), tasked with facilitating the reintegration of ex-combatants, marked a significant milestone in this transition.
They provided professional equipment to these former rebels upon the completion of a qualifying training program at the Mutobo Demobilization and Reintegration Center, located in the Musanze District.
The comprehensive training programs encompass a wide range of vocational skills, including construction, electricity, sewing, plumbing, welding, agriculture, hairdressing and mechanics. The curricula for these professions are carefully designed to ease their transition into civilian life.
This event marked the 69th cohort of beneficiaries of such training, some of whom are eagerly awaiting conditional release next October. They received professional equipment as a gesture of encouragement to continue their journey towards rehabilitation and making a positive contribution to society.
Bizimana Hamissi, the Mayor of Musanze District, wholeheartedly endorsed this initiative and urged the recipients to utilize their newly acquired skills to fortify national unity and stability.
According to Valérie Nyirahabineza, Chairperson of RDRC, this initiative extends beyond mere material assistance; it signifies a crucial step toward establishing peace and harmony in the region, a cornerstone for Rwanda’s progress.
Major General Félicien Nsanzubukire, a former member of the CNRD-FLN militia, conveyed gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries and emphasized their eager anticipation of a positive transformation in their daily lives. He reiterated their commitment to rebuilding the Rwandan social fabric.
With a past marked by conflict, these former combatants now wield tools of creation, not destruction. This symbolizes tangible hope for a peaceful and constructive future in the heart of Rwanda. Their determination to make a positive societal contribution serves as a beacon of hope, reflecting the resilience and commitment of the Rwandan people on their path to unity and reconciliation.
As these former combatants take hold of their new tools, they are not only shaping professions but also sculpting the hope of a harmonious future, one stone at a time. Their efforts are contributing to the vibrant heartbeat of Rwanda, a nation that aspires to join the ranks of emerging nations.
